Meat shoots, Lenten fish fries and more going on this week

What’s Happening for Feb. 15

Noon Thursday, Feb. 8, was the deadline to appear in today’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Due to the large number of submissions, non-profit events are run only one time in print, will be edited and appear in the week before the event date.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Open House celebration — 1 to 3 p.m. Friday. 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. 3718 State St., East St. Louis. Dedication and blessing at 11 a.m. Saturday. The society celebrates a new Outreach Ministry Center and remodeled soup kitchen, pantry, thrift store and warehouse. The public is invited.

High School Art Competition: 2018 Congressional Art Competition — Submissions are due by March 6 at Rep. Mike Bost’s O’Fallon office, 302 W. State St., O’Fallon. The theme of this year’s competition is “Illinois’ Bicentennial: 200 Years of Artistry.” This contest is for high school students in the 12th Congressional District. For more information and rules: www.bost.house.gov or 618-622-0766.

Registration Required

Free Citizens Utility Board clinic — 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 21. Clyde C. Jordan Senior Center, 6755 State St., East St. Louis. Learn how to save money on your utility bill. This event is free and open to the public. Register: 312-263-4282 ext. 111 or email, aboror@citizensutilityboard.org with the subject: East St. Louis 2/21.

Jerry Baker, 58 of Marissa, dressed as the New Year’s Baby, jumps during the Polar Plunge at Smitty’s Marina in New Athens.

Tim Vizer News-Democrat

Special Olympics Polar Plunge of Belleville — 4 p.m. Friday, March 9. 6435 W. Main St., Belleville. In the past 19 years, plungers have raised more than $18.4 million for the Special Olympics. Register: www.plungeillinois.com or call Justin Dunning, 618-654-6680 or jdunning@soill.org.

“The Bottoms Up Bash: For Colorectal Cancer Awareness” — 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 3. Knights of Columbus Hall, Highland. An event to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and benefit for the Wesselmann family and fightcolorectalcancer.org. Jennifer Wesselmann was 42 when she passed away from colorectal cancer on Dec. 27 of last year. Admission: $15 person, $25 couple. Entertainment provided by “The Simple Therapy Band.” Event also features 50/50, booze barrel raffle and silent auction. There will be games to promote awareness and early detection along with a photo booth. Contact Deb Elledge for tickets at 618-210-9631 or elledge@charter.net.

Worth the Drive

St. John’s Community Care: Healthcare Town Hall — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St., Edwardsville. Join a discussion on how to improve healthcare in the metro-east with ideas for new legislation. Hosted by St. John’s Community Care and State Rep. Katie Stuart.

National Museum of African Americans on Stamps — 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St., Edwardsville. Traveling museum will be on display. Check out the collection and meet the curator, Charlene Blair. Program is free and no registration required.

Left to right: Oliver Bacus as Tartuffe, Trey Ball as Orgon and Hannah Warntjes as Elmire.